Rugs are available in many fibers such as nylon and wool, acrylic, cotton, or polyester. Silk and leather are less common, but they are worth considering if you are looking for a rich look. It can be difficult to choose among so many options. ​However, the fibers that make up a rug play an important part in how it looks and how durable it is.
Natural fibers, particularly wool, are generally better choices in terms of quality and longevity. Synthetic fibers are more affordable and offer many options. What material should you use for a rug? It is difficult to give a single answer because it depends on so many factors.
What will you do with your rug?
Your choice may impact the location where the rug will be placed. It will be displayed on a wall. The location of your rug will affect how much foot traffic it gets.
Although it might be unwise to place expensive wool or delicate silk rugs in the entry, they will give a luxurious look to the protected area of the living or bedroom. While bamboo rugs don’t have a soft underfoot, they will last for a long time in high-traffic areas like entries.
Are You Certain About How the Rug Will Be Used?
Which type of use is your rug going to see? Are you putting it in a high-traffic area or are you displaying it in an area that is rarely used? It will be used by children and pets. A synthetic fiber with durabilities, such as nylon or polypropylene, is recommended if the rug will be used in rough conditions. A mildew-resistant synthetic material like acrylic might be a good choice if your rug is going to be used in moist areas. In this case, wool is not recommended as it absorbs moisture.
Are You Choosing the Look and Feel You Want?
What type of look do you want? What type of texture does your rug need? This will determine where and how you’ll use your rug. While synthetic fibers like nylon offer many color options and textures, a natural rug with natural fibers will have a different look and feel.
A sisal rug, even if made from natural fibers, would have a completely different appearance from a silk rug. Chenille, a synthetic material that has a silk-like texture and looks, is more suitable for areas with moderate traffic.
Choose Rug Quality
What quality do you want? Are you looking for a rug that will retain its value over time? You might choose a silk or wool rug if this is the case. If quality and durability are not important to you, you can purchase rugs made from cheaper natural fibers such as cotton or jute or choose from a wide range of synthetic fibers, like nylon, acrylic, or polypropylene.
Set a budget
Take into consideration your budget. Do you have the budget to spend on custom logo rugs? Natural fiber rugs such as silk or wool could be more expensive than synthetic ones. Synthetic fiber is a better option if you are looking for a floor covering that looks good and doesn’t require high quality. You can also choose from cheaper natural fibers like sisal, cotton, or jute depending on your preference.